biden, however, insisted he had no direct role in newman's release. joining me now is foreign affairs reporter elise lavette. so what are they saying about why he was suddenly released? >> reporter: well, fred, you heard dan saying, and, you know, as a result of this apology, and everyone kind of believes that the north koreans actually wrote this, themselves, where he admitted his veteran status and he worked in the korean war against the north koreans, they say he's admitted his crimes and he feels bad about it, and release him on humanitarian angels, and u.s. officials telling me there's been direct contact between the u.s. and north korea. over the last month, the north koreans called the obama administration yesterday, said they're releasing him. they did not explain why. and they can only -- really can never know with north korea, fred. very unpredictable. no one really wants to get in the head of the north koreans, but obviously, everybody very happy that mr. newman is on his way home. >> so lots of joy that newman has been released. however, t